Kerry Bentivolio leading Nancy Cassis in 11th Congressional District

Five-term Congressman Thaddeus McCotter's shocking inability to qualify for the ballot in his suburban Detroit district has left the door open for a little-known tea party backer and a better-known establishment candidate called upon to wage an uphill write-in campaign.

Kerry Bentivolio, a teacher and reindeer farmer, was the only Republican on Tuesday's ballot in the 11th District primary because of the Republican incumbent's issues. Former state Sen. Nancy Cassis - who won backing from party leaders concerned about Bentivolio's positions - largely self-funded her write-in effort.

With more than 20 percent of precincts reporting, Bentivolio had more than 60 percent of the votes, while "write-in" - Cassis - had fewer than 40 percent.

The winner of the GOP contest will face either Syed Taj, a doctor favored by the Democratic Party, or Lyndon LaRouche backer Bill Roberts.

Taj led 62 percent to 38 percent.

The seat leans Republican, though Democrats are eying a potential opening assuming Bentivolio wins the primary.

Bentivolio and a supporting Super PAC have criticized Cassis for shepherding the since-repealed Michigan Business Tax through the Legislature, while she has released a cable ad highlighting "Krazy Kerry's" role in a film blaming the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

She also has said she is the "proven conservative" in the race, citing her legislative votes and experience.

Bentivolio's campaign manager has called attacks on Bentivolio "lies," noting that his service in the military does not jive with conspiracy theories involving the commander in chief.